Key Largo

The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park is the first undersea park in the United States. It was established in 1963 to protect and preserve the only living coral reef in the nation. Connected with the Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, together they span more than 178 nautical square miles, which include coral reefs, mangrove swamps, and sea grass beds. With so many underwater experiences to discover, guests are encouraged to kayak, snorkel, and dive independently or to join one of the snorkel, scuba, and glass bottom boat tours. The park Visitor Center also has a 30,000 gallon saltwater aquarium and a theater showing nature films.

102601 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL, Phone: 305-451-6300

Crocodile Lake National Wildlife Refuge was founded in 1980 to preserve and protect the American crocodile habitat. The area in which the crocodiles live is closed to the public but open to those who wish to volunteer. Guests are encouraged to come visit the refuge to find out about the crocodiles’ ailing habitat and how it can be helped. In addition, visitors are welcome to explore the Butterfly Garden, a pollinator garden that houses more than fifty species of native plants. This well-maintained walkable garden attracts several species of pollinators, making it a tranquil and fascinating experience.

10750 County Road 905, Key Largo, FL, Phone: 305-451-4223

Recommended Activities for Families

Dagny Johnson Key Largo Hammock Botanical State Park features over six miles of nature trails for visitors to walk or bike to view more than eighty protected species of plants and animals who call this area home. Among them are mahogany mistletoe, wild cotton, and the American crocodile. The park also houses one of the biggest areas of West Indian tropical hardwood hammock in the nation. Guests are encouraged to take self-guided tours following the trail signs that explain the ecosystem and describe the wildlife that live there. Visitors who want a richer experience can opt for Ranger-led tours.

County Road 905, Mile Marker 106, Key Largo, FL, Phone: 305-451-1202

Dolphin Cove is on the northernmost point of the Key Largo. It is a five-acre lagoon where guests can swim and interact with dolphins. Visitors take a 30-minute boat ride through the backcountry waters where they learn about dolphins and what to expect when getting up close and personal with them. After the boat ride, guests participate in an optional Natural Swim dolphin encounter, which means the dolphins are untrained in interacting with humans. They swim freely in the enclosed ocean space and choose if and who they interact with in the water.

Dolphin Cove, 101900 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL, Phone: 305-451-4060

The Florida Keys Overseas Heritage Trail is 76 miles of paved multi-use trails over a 106-mile corridor connecting Key Largo with Key West. The recreational trail includes twenty-three historic railroad bridges and makes for a scenic pathway for walking, skating, biking, and otherwise exploring. The trail passes by several national and state parks, including Biscayne National Park, Everglades National Park, and Florida Keys National Marine Sanctuary, which gives trail users easy access to a plethora of outdoor activities. There are nature trails to hike and horseback ride, beautiful lush gardens to explore, and a multitude of historic sites to learn about along the way.

Key Largo (Mile Marker 106.4) to Key West (Mile Marker 0), FL, Phone: 850-245-2157

Attractions for Couples

Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center is a must-visit for bird lovers. Their mission is to rescue injured or otherwise harmed birds, rehabilitate them, and release them back into the wild. This is also a great educational experience for kids who can learn how humans can help protect wildlife and the environment. The first thing visitors encounter is a board with the current birds being rehabilitated at the center. Each bird’s rescue story is on its cage. Many wild birds are attracted to the sanctuary, so guests should expect that birds wandering freely are wild. There is no entrance fee, but donations of money and supplies are welcome.

92080 Overseas Highway, Tavernier, FL, Phone: 305-852-4486

Divers scour the oceans for interesting dive spots that yield epic adventures. One such dive spot is the wreck site of the 1937 USS Bibb Coast Guard ship. While it was active, it was involved in operations in WWII and the Vietnam War. It was prepared for sinking in 1987 and now at a depth of 95 to 130 feet. Because of the site’s location near the Gulfstream, divers can get a good look at the artificial reef in superb visibility. Divers should expect to see sharks, goliath grouper, barracuda, and smaller fish. Strong currents make this dive site recommended for advanced wreck divers.

USCGC Bibb, Offshore, Key Largo, FL, Phone: 954-800-0345

If you’re a fan of CNN’s The Wonder List with Bill Weir, you may already know of Garl’s Coastal Kayaking Everglades, which was featured in a segment. They offer two tours. Their signature immersive adventure tour explores Everglades National Park ecosystems and begins at the park’s main entrance in Homestead. The other shorter tour begins in Key Largo and explores Florida Bay’s marine environment. This relaxing day tour includes guided snorkeling and kayaking experiences with marine science certified guides who are trained biologists and naturalists. Both tours are safe and family-friendly. Check the website for what to wear and what to bring.

99010 Overseas Highway, Key Largo, FL, Phone: 305-393-3223

Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder, or DPMMR, is a not-for-profit facility in Key Largo, Florida that works to protect marine mammals both in the wild and in their care. The facility relies on visits to help fulfill its mission and welcomes visitors of all ages. DPMMR aims to promote a greater understanding of marine mammal conservation, environmental stewardship, and the marine ecosystem of the Florida Keys through educational content, classes, and dolphin swim programs. The classes at Dolphins Plus Marine Mammal Responder cover a variety of topics, such as dolphin rescue, dolphin anatomy, and different species of dolphins.

31 Corrine Pl, Key Largo, FL 33037, 305-453-4321